During the 13th century, crusaders from throughout Europe massed their armies in an effort to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims. Small coins were minted in great quantity to pay the troops, and they ultimately became the standard currency for the common people. These crusader coins were so popular and widely accepted that they continued to be minted for three centuries. read more

Through marriage, war, and political maneuvering, most of the region comprising the present-day Netherlands-Holland, Utrecht, Noord-Brabant, and Geldeland-came into the hands of the Dukes of Burgundy during the 15th and early 16th centuries. read more

Louis Philippe, called the Citizen King (1773-1850), King of France (1830-48). He was the son of Louis Philippe Joseph, Duc D'Orleans and was born in Paris. By the late 1820's under the autocratic rule of Louis XVIII's brother and successor, Charles X, the last of the Bourbon Monarchs, the French middle and lower classes were growing restive. read more

When William III died without heirs in 1702, a distant relative of his, John William Friso, successfully claimed the Orange Title. In 1747 his son became Stadtholder in all seven provinces as William IV. read more

The son of King Henry V and Queen Catherine of Valois, Henry was the last king from the House of Lancaster, and his reign was dominated by competing Aristocratic factions. He became king in 1422, at the age of 1 year, and in 1445 he married a French Princess, Margaret of Anjou. read more

The coin featured in this piece is a silver Grosso from the Republic of Venice, Italy. It was struck in the 13th century AD. Christ is shown enthroned on one side, with the ruler of Venice and St. Mark, the Patron Saint of the city, on the reverse side. Venice was a strong commercial and political power in the 13th century following their successful siege of Constantinople at the beginning of the century. read more

During the 13th century, Crusaders from throughout Europe massed their armies in an effort to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims. Small coins were minted in great quantity to pay the troops, and they ultimately became the standard currency for the common people. read more